Updates on What's Up in The Imagery World

I try to spend some time once a month to write down some tips, some stories, some lessons learned... as well as advice on when best to utilize us for specials and upcoming events.  We now have a complete book that can be ordered on Amazon called, "Prepare for your Perfect Portrait", and pieces of that will be posted on a weekly basis.  You can order your own full copy on Amazon, eBook or paperback.  Enjoy! -Stephanie Oman, Co-Owner, The Imagery.

Saturday, April 18, 2020
By The Imagery

Prom and Graduation Ceremony Options for COVID-19 Stay at Home Order

 

How we can help you celebrate in place of going to Prom, walking the stage at Graduation, and partying with friends in person, and STILL mark this historic moment in time That No One Will Forget.  Our Seniors 2020 are forever in history as the Class of COVID-19.

Normally we would be in the middle of rushing out several graduation cards at a time, making sure that parents got their announcements ordered and done, and labeling and mailing our first mailer for Class of 2021.  This year, instead of the phone ringing, crickets, silence, and the boxes of flyers for 2021 are sitting in piles--but it doesn't mean that work has stopped. We are busy cleaning, organizing, creating, and dreaming up ways we can help. Parents are waiting to see what may or may not happen, and we’ve been doing the same. But now we caution, enough is enough--NO MORE WAITING!  We don’t mean stop social distancing, not at all. What we mean is, "let’s figure out how to help one another in different ways".

Our HS Seniors are missing out on the way it was for generations before them, and how it will surely continue to be when we return to a new normal, but that doesn’t mean that celebrating is cancelled.  We are going to need to celebrate differently. In the end, we have a unique opportunity to actually significantly record how unique this time in history is, how it affected everyone, and how we are irreversibly intertwined with one another, not just as an economy in our city and state, but globally.  Seniors need to be uplifted during this time and be shown how we can rally for them as a community.  They will forever be remembered as the class that survived COVID-19, and that, in an odd and crazy way in itself, is something for them to be proud of. #seniorstrong #resilient

So here are our top ideas of ways we are helping in photography at The Imagery.

#1.  We are offering free sessions to new and current clients ‘on their porch’ to commemorate this unusual situation... What does that mean? It means that we drive up to your home, get out several feet away from your porch (much more than 6 feet even), and direct a photo shoot of the senior ‘confined’ in front of their home or at a front window if it’s large enough (and then we can get closer).  Suggestions to make this shoot fun and memorable might be to wear your favorite formal wear (we can loan gals dresses if they need one, but will make sure it is cleaned and contactless, dropping it off a few days beforehand), and along with the ‘dress or tux’ do some shots with and without your favorite Coronavirus handmade mask.  

The session is free, and you get the best digital file, free of charge, and additional digital files at $75 each (normally $150 each).  No obligation to purchase more. This is our way to be a support #inthistogether in a drive-through “pick up service only” kind of way as it relates to photography and in helping uplift the Class of 2020.  There is not only a lot of distance here, there is no contact, guaranteed.

#2.  We are offering reduced pricing on yard signs and banners. Designed free of charge, custom to your photos.  Submit a couple photos of your own to our email (theimagerymn@aol.com), and what you would like said on the sign, or, if you are a current client, let us know which senior photo you want used -- and baby photos are a nice touch too!  The yard signs are double sided, and can have different photos and messages on each side. (See samples). What a great way to alert neighbors that you have a senior, and to have them share in the giving of support and encouragement.

Yard signs are $30 (normally we sell a minimum of 2 for $60), banners are all $55 up to 6 feet (regular price $75-120).

#3.  We are designing for current, and new clients, custom graduation announcements with their photo on them.  If you haven’t had your photo done at the Imagery, send us your favorite photo, or order a free ‘porch’ session.  You don’t have to have a traditional open house invite, we can instead make a graduation announcement, but, maybe you want to give folks a date and time to meet on zoom and virtually share cake together--or, let people know a time you’ll be out in front of the house celebrating, and if they happen to drive by, give a wave and a honk.  Already have announcements? Add a set of wallets to put inside with the hashtag #COVIDClassof2020.  Now future generations, 50 years from now, can ask--”what was Covid 2020?”... and there will be a history lesson to tell, especially if this is only every 100 years.  We pray and hope it will come with many lessons of preparedness learned and not forgotten. Let it also be a lesson of togetherness despite being separate.

If you have already pre-paid graduation announcements, we are giving you 20 more, free, or an additional box of press-printed cards free (25). If you haven’t ordered yet, all our cards will be 20% off through May 18th.  

All you need to do now is call to schedule either a porch session or an online, virtual design appointment, 952-890-7640.  Yes, we are doing things differently, but celebration and recording this moment in history, is NOT CANCELLED. #seniorstrong #classof2020 #inthistogether 

Whatever you decide as a way to celebrate, it is important to plan now and don['t delay.  At The Imagery, our standard cards are printed in-house, but please do order early for signs and banners, as those may be delayed due to lab temporary closures and slow-downs.  

Bless our Class of 2020 seniors, and may they have prosperous, happy, healthy futures ahead.

 

In Summary:

 

Schedule a Porch Session or Design Appointment, these are FREE: 952-890-7640.

Yard Signs, Banners, and Announcements are all on sale.

Order signage as soon as possible in case of delays due to lab closures.

#celebrationisnotcancelledjustdifferent




And remember, the party might have been postponed, but not the dress! 

Call for a prom dress session--either at the front porch, or wait a bit, and we'll be able to safely invite clients back by appointment, and can do prom dress sessions like these!

 
Friday, April 17, 2020
By The Imagery

Why taking risks and pushing the envelope is just what you need right now.

Your senior year is a major milestone, and literally the ‘commencement’ of a new stage in your life.  You are the top of the food chain in your class, you are looked up to by all the under-class ‘beneath’ you….and yet, there is so much life ahead of you that it can be overwhelming.  What college do you want to go to? Do you want to go to college? What direction will you be taking with the rest of your life? Where are you going to live? Where are your friends going?  

Sometimes all the possibilities become paralyzing.  Here’s the good news/bad news. You are not alone/this ‘discovering yourself’ thing will never end.

What does this have to do with senior pictures?  A LOT. A senior photographer should look to help you find out what you want to express about yourself, not just pick out outfits that your mom wants to see you in.  Yes, mom deserves maybe one thing that she picks out, or dad picks out, or grandma wants---but after that--let’s make this about YOU.  

You see, normally we talk about ‘solids are better vs. plaids or stripes’ and ‘long sleeves vs. short’ and don’t wear too short of anything, or too heavy makeup, or hairstyle and clothing that will so go ‘out’ or style before the year ends... but, on the other hand, while keeping all of the RULES in mind, you can, and should, think about what YOU want.

YOU, and who you are now, can be reflected in photos by experimenting with some looks of who you WANT to be as well.  What do I mean? Here’s the nuts and bolts practicality of picking out your perfect looks for senior pictures that you will look back on with pride and a smile.  

#1.  Choose something that represents your best you when you are with your friends.  What makes you FEEL good when you are out on the town with your buddies (now, this was written during COVID-19 stay-safe-at-home...so at the moment, it’s ‘remember when you went out with your friends?’ Like that.

#2.  Choose something that represents the activity or activities that make you light up in high school. For some of you that is one thing, for others of you, that is multiple things. Bring it all.  In some cases we can combine things together (for example, one shot we love is of hs seniors in their formal wear or prom dress, holding onto their baseball/football/basketball/or swimming underwater with goggles--showing your glamorous side and sporty side in the same shot).

#3.  Choose something that stretches the imagination of who you want to be, or dream you could be, if anything was possible.  Sometimes this turns into a fictional character out of a favorite book--a vintage outfit from another era that you admire--or an occupation that you dream of one day having--again, bring it all, and the skys’ the limit. 

#4.  For all the above, think head-to-toe.  Don’t leave anything out and leave it to the professionals to edit what you have brought.  Accessories, head-to-toe uniforms, props that are needed to complete the feeling and tell the story--it’s ALL important to laying out your perfect session.

Now I know that the above ideas (plus one outfit that mom wants) might seem to be far outside the box for you--or they spark your imagination and you’re all in… Either way, we hope that you will give it a try.  Try, because the results might just AMAZE you--why not see what’s possible? In the hands of a professional photographer, amazing portrait magic happens. Let that be you, and let that guide you through the uncertainties of senior year with a new confidence in YOU. 

Anything truly IS possible--and YOU are worth it.

 

 

 
Monday, December 02, 2019
By The Imagery

The Experience is Different in 2020, but still magical.

December 1 to December 14 -- by appointment. 

Learn more and go to booking link here:  https://www.theimagery.net/santa-session

 

Magical Santa Experience 2020!

Please go to this link and fill out prior to your session:

https://theimagery.net/form/spirit-christmas-session

 

All sessions (except for Kids Club Members, Kids Club Members are Free) are $99, and include 25 cards, 1 8x10, 3 5x7s, and social media, such as a facebook banner and 3 poses to share - 1 of your poses will include Santa digitally put in to the scene.  The pose you choose at your ordering appointment.  Zooms with Santa in our magical experience zoom room, are an additional $65, and optional this year.

 

Bonus Items:

 

Orders over $250-- a free mug or ornament!

Orders over $500-- a free copyright digital file

Orders over $750-- a free frame for your print, or free upgrade to canvas

Orders over $1000--A usb drive of the entire session (without enhancements)

Buy out all your images (enhancement not included) for $1200

Gift Sizes a la carte: (note--Kids Club Members use Kids Club pricing)

 

Digital Packages:  A "Digital File" is one single print ready image, retouched, delivered electronically or via USB to the client.  The Imagery cannot guarantee the print quality of 3rd party vendors.

1 or more digital files with copyright release: $150 each ($100 each if you ordered a print of that file)

10 or more digital files with copyright release: $100 each ($75 each if you ordered a print of those 5)

20 or more digital files with copyright release: $75 each ($60 each of you ordered a print of those 10)

40 or more digital files with copyright release: $50 each ($40 each of you ordered a print of those 20 or own the proof set--see attached a la carte price list)

Decorative Must-Have Gifts and Cards (add-on to a print purchase of that pose only)

Mug: $26
Magnet: $12
Ornament: $32
Desktop Cub (6 sides):  $85
Christmas Cards: from $2.60 each (minimum 25)
9-up box on the wall with Santa (Box Sessions are $55 additional, inquire within): 10x10, $190, 12x12 $220, 20x20, $445
10x20 Trilogy Collage: $220

 

 
Monday, November 18, 2019
By The Imagery

Magical Santa Experience 2019!

All sessions (except for Kids Club Members, Kids Club Members are Free) are $89, and include a starter ‘Donnor’ Package of 1 5x7 and 4 wallets of one pose. The pose you choose at your ordering appointment (starting the week after your session), will be fully enhanced with the magic of Christmas, glowing, sparkling, and making for a wonderful decoration for many Christmases to come.

Bonus Items:

Orders over $250-- a free mug or ornament!

Orders over $500-- a free copyright digital file

Orders over $750-- a free frame for your print, or free upgrade to canvas

Orders over $1000--A usb drive of the entire session (without enhancements)

Orders over $1500--video clips taken during session included

Gift Sizes a la carte: (note--Kids Club Members use Kids Club pricing)

8x10          $89

5x7            $50

4X6           $32

4 wallet     $32

 

Wall Sizes a la carte: (Standard Finish - Canvas/Wood/Metal)

(note: Kids Club Members take 20% off)

 

11x14    $190 - $360

16x20    $330 - $660

20x24    $445 - $935

24x30    $660 - $1265

40x60    $935 - $1815

 

Digital Packages:  A "Digital File" is one single print ready image, retouched, delivered electronically or via USB to the client.  The Imagery cannot guarantee the print quality of 3rd party vendors.

1 or more digital files with copyright release: $150 each ($100 each if you ordered a print of that file)

10 or more digital files with copyright release: $100 each ($75 each if you ordered a print of those 5)

20 or more digital files with copyright release: $75 each ($60 each of you ordered a print of those 10)

40 or more digital files with copyright release: $50 each ($40 each of you ordered a print of those 20 or own the proof set--see attached a la carte price list)

"I want it all"  (60+ images of your favorites) for $1700 with copyright release, must have a minimum print purchase of $500 or more. Each additional file after 60 is $30 each. 

Decorative Must-Have Gifts and Cards (add-on to a print purchase of that pose only)

Mug: $26
Magnet: $12
Ornament: $32
Desktop Cub (6 sides):  $85
Christmas Cards: from $2.60 each (minimum 25)
9-up box on the wall with Santa: 10x10, $190, 12x12 $220, 20x20, $445
10x20 Trilogy Collage: $220

AND BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND-- 6 of our most popular packages! 

 

 

Storybooks and Albums:

A storybook of the entire experience… customized for you! (from $525)

5x5 Album: $525, 6x6 Album: $625, 8x8 Album: $895, 10x10 Album, $1295 

(other sizes and shapes available, we can give quotes at your design and order appointment)

 

 

 
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
By The Imagery

If you haven't had a magical Santa Experience at The Imagery yet, you are in for a treat.  Kids get a chance to enter-act with Santa in a variety of activities, spending a minimum of 10 minutes with the big guy going over their wishes and sharing time doing things like sharing a Christmas book, hanging an ornament, learning where the north pole is on the globe, fixing up a present, playing with a toy, and more.  

These activities culminate in an opportunity to have Christmas decor created for your home that features YOUR kids, enjoying Santa, and what could be more "Christmassy" than that!  You can get a full book with pictures of Santa and the experience, or just one precious photo to set on the mantel during the season.  

Rod and I love working with the parents and kids to create heirlooms that will last for generations to come, and this is a one of kind experience with Santa that does not include the crowds at the mall. Avoid the crowds in line for Santa, and book a private session at The Imagery! In 2019 the dates are Nov. 21-24.

Step 1: use the online link to schedule

Step 2: The Imagery (staff on vacation through the 16th, so we apologize for the wait) will contact you before the session, by Nov. 17-18, and go over the details of what your visit will be like, and finalize the cost of the initial appointment, which is $89.00 per family (allow about 10 minutes per child, visit times vary are are largely controlled by what the kids want--some are shy, some would move in if they could!)

Step 3: Show up to your appointment arrival time, in what we suggest are a set of PJs, or, dress up in formal attire for Christmas... both the casual PJ option and the formal attire option work out great for portraits with Santa.

Step 4: We will arrange a time for you to come back and place your order, at your convenience, with our without your children present (we recommend that you get a sitter or arrange for them to be otherwise occupied, and then surprise them with their magical portrait).